Canberra | Australian Federal Police

Become a protective service officer in Canberra

Canberra, Australia’s capital city and home to our national headquarters and training college, offers an exceptional lifestyle with a vibrant city with a laid-back community.

Joining us as a protective service officer (PSO) in Canberra means protecting people, places, and the diplomatic community based in the ACT.

From safeguarding Australian Parliament House and Canberra Airport to protecting diplomatic missions, government facilities and other critical national infrastructure, PSOs help ensure the security of some of Australia's most important people and locations.

A Protective Service Officer (PSO) stands in front of the Australian Parliament House with another officer behind her

What you'll do

As a PSO in Canberra, you'll provide:

highly visible uniformed security at places like Parliament House
close personal protection to Australian and foreign dignitaries
witness protection
security and advice for major government, diplomatic and public events
first response activity to national security threats.

Join the AFP as a protective service officer

PSO key benefits

Get paid to train

Earn while you learn during 15 weeks of paid training.

Salary

Starts at $82,499.88 after graduation, plus overtime and penalties*

Superannuation

15.4% even during parental leave.

Basic eligibility

18+ Australian citizen, fit and active, driver's licence, good character.

Salary is inclusive of base salary, 22% composite and Use of Force (UoF) allowance. The annual payment of the UoF allowance is dependent on members successfully holding and maintaining a UoF certification.

Discover what it takes to protect Australia's highest office holders at Australia Parliament House.

Dan

Protective Service Inspector

Living in Canberra

Rated the best city in the world for quality of life by Oxford Economics in 2025, Canberra offers an outstanding quality of life, combining cultural experiences, outdoor adventures and a thriving food scene.

Enjoy:

world class museums, galleries and cultural attractions
scenic hiking trails, mountain biking networks and outdoor recreation
easy access to Australia’s premier ski fields
award winning coffee, local markets and restaurants
short commute times and a relaxed, welcoming community.

Canberra offers the perfect balance of career opportunity and lifestyle.

Learn more about working and living in Canberra

AFP College

Canberra is home to both our national headquarters and the training college.

Located in the heart of Canberra, the AFP College in Barton has been the primary training facility for AFP recruits since 1979.

Upon graduation, recruits leave the College with extensive knowledge in law, police powers, protection, investigative techniques, and operational safety.

For many, the AFP College is their first introduction to life in the AFP. Yet, a significant number of staff choose to continue working in Canberra thanks to the variety of work and the relaxed lifestyle.

Learn more about the AFP

Hear directly from our protective service officers

Register for our free online information session to hear from our PSOs and learn more about a legendary career as a PSO. Want to meet our members in person? Keep an eye out for upcoming events near you.

View events and register

Other roles in Canberra

With the AFP’s national headquarters located in Canberra, there are a diverse range of career opportunities that become available from time to time including